Regarded by collectors as one of the most celebrated references from the Daytona collection, the ref. 6263 was first released alongside its sister model ref. 6265 in 1969 replacing the firm’s first screw-down Daytona ref. 6240. While both references feature the newly upgraded cal. 727, the difference between the ref. 6263 and the 6265 is the option for its black and metallic bezel insert. Most examples of the reference were manufactured in stainless steel, research indicates that approximately 100 examples of the reference were cased in yellow gold each year across a production span of over 20 years, making these gold examples rare indeed.
The Daytona is sought after for its versatility, durability and modern aesthetics. Adding a flare of flamboyance compared to its stainless steel counterparts, it is a perfect timepiece to be worn by sportsmen or businessmen alike and looks just as impressive on the beach or the boardroom. While gold examples were made available at the time with both 14K and 18K gold variants, with 14K examples believed to be mostly delivered to the American market, the gold cases were distinguished by the difference in its sheen and hue.
The present example Rolex Cosmograph ref. 6263 in 18K yellow gold with an 8.8 million serial from circa 1985 with a black dial belongs to a later generation of the reference featuring a movement number engraved on the plate behind the balance wheel. Research suggests that this was related to the officially certified chronometer movement. Offered in attractive overall condition, this rare and handsome example of the coveted ref. 6263 in gold will surely garner the attention of collectors of fine vintage timepieces.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.